The main principles of land using in Lithuania and in the United States

Abstract

Local zoning codes allow variances from the code requirements under certain conditions. Land planning in the United States are regulated through zoning and in Lithuania through general, special and detailed territorial planning. The United States has never developed a national land use plan, because land use is considered a local concern. Land use regulation is necessary to protect open space and scenic vistas and planning is necessary to ensure the efficient and rational use of land. In setting out the aims for the planning of specific territories, it is necessary to take account of the needs of the public, the peculiarities of landscape, geographical situation, geological conditions. In this article the main goal was to analyzed land using and planning system in Lithuania and in the United States. During the investigation the methods of literature analysis, statistical analysis as well as comparative analysis ones were used. Because in the United States land use is considered a local concern, we were analyzing Town of Southampton, NY, land use code. In Lithuania and the United States are very important in setting out the aims for the planning of specific territories it is necessary to take account of the needs of the public, the peculiarities of landscape, geographical situation, geological conditions, the requirements urban development, architecture, technical, environmental, heritage conservation issues, the requirement for the use and management of agricultural land, the rights of land and other real estate owners and third persons, the needs of State security and defence. In the United States, the power to regulate land use is granted to local governments through state - level enabling legislation. Land use regulations are a subset of police power for protecting the public health, safety, morals and welfare. Local governments control land use and influence the pace, location and character of new development in several ways. In conjuction with comprehensive land use planning, zoning codes control development, patterns within the community. Zoning is a common form of land use control at the local level. A zoning map may have hundreds of districts in which certain uses are permitted and other uses are prohibited. Local land use controls also include subdivision ordinances, stormwater management ordinances and landscaping ordinances.